Priority Gold vs Orion Metal Exchange. Which Is Right For You?

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Last Updated on December 17, 2025

Selecting the right gold IRA provider can make a significant difference in fees, metals options, and retirement security.

Priority Gold and Orion Metal Exchange are both trusted options, but they focus on different investor priorities.

Priority Gold emphasizes low-cost, transparent investing with flexible storage, while Orion Metal Exchange highlights guaranteed buyback and competitive pricing.

This comparison will explore their fees, minimums, metals offered, storage options, buyback policies, and customer support, giving you a clear picture of which provider fits your retirement goals.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Priority Gold	Orion Metal Exchange
Founded	2001	2017
Minimum Investment	$5,000	$5,000
Fees	Transparent and competitive	Competitive and transparent
Metals Offered	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyback Policy	Market-aligned buyback	Guaranteed buyback
BBB/Trustpilot Rating	A+ / 4.8	A+ / 4.8
Best For	Cost-conscious investors seeking flexible storage	Investors seeking guaranteed liquidity and low minimums

2. Company Background & Trust Signals

Priority Gold

Priority Gold, founded in 2018, is known for transparent pricing and cost-efficient gold IRA investing.

The company focuses on providing flexible storage options and avoiding high-premium collectible coins.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+

• Media Mentions: Featured in investment and retirement-focused publications

Priority Gold builds trust through clarity in fees, flexible storage, and investor-friendly policies.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange, founded in 2017, emphasizes guaranteed buyback programs and competitive pricing.

They focus on making gold IRA investing accessible and predictable, appealing to first-time or budget-conscious investors.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+

• Media Mentions: Cited in retirement and investment media

Orion’s reputation is based on transparent pricing, guaranteed liquidity, and secure storage.

3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process

Minimum Investment

• Priority Gold: Requires a minimum of ~$5,000, making it accessible for first-time or cost-conscious investors.

• Orion Metal Exchange: Also has a minimum of ~$5,000, appealing to beginners seeking low entry.

Setup Process

Priority Gold

• Fill out an online form or speak with a representative.

• Priority Gold coordinates with an IRS-approved custodian to open your IRA.

• Fund the account via rollover or transfer.

• Select IRS-approved metals.

• Metals are securely stored in IRS-approved facilities.

Orion Metal Exchange

• Submit an online request or contact a representative.

• Orion opens a self-directed IRA with an IRS-approved custodian.

• Fund the account via rollover or new contributions.

• Select metals with guidance from Orion.

• Metals are securely stored or shipped as desired.

Who Each Appeals To

• Priority Gold: Investors wanting low-cost investing with flexible storage.

• Orion Metal Exchange: Investors seeking guaranteed buyback and predictable liquidity.

4. Fees & Pricing Comparison

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers transparent and competitive fees, including:

• Account Setup Fee: Typically minimal or waived

• Annual Custodian & Storage Fees: Around $150 total

• No hidden costs, with market-aligned metals pricing

The company emphasizes low-cost investing and avoids pushing high-premium coins.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion provides competitive and transparent pricing, appealing to cost-conscious investors:

• Account Setup Fee: Often waived

• Annual Fees: Approximately $150, covering custodian and storage

• No hidden fees with metals priced at market value

Orion focuses on simplicity and predictable costs.

5. Custodian & Storage Options

Priority Gold

Priority Gold works with IRS-approved custodians and offers storage in:

• Delaware Depository and other IRS-approved facilities

• Segregated storage options with full insurance

The company emphasizes flexibility, allowing investors to choose storage locations that suit their needs.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion partners with IRS-approved custodians and provides:

• Segregated and non-segregated storage in secure, insured vaults

• Focus on easy access and predictable security

Orion prioritizes simplicity and guaranteed compliance.

6. Metals Selection & Flexibility

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers a range of IRS-approved metals, including:

• Gold: Coins and bars

• Silver: Coins and bars

• Platinum & Palladium: Select IRA-approved products

The company emphasizes cost-effective bullion options, avoiding high-premium collectible coins.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange also offers IRA-compliant metals, including:

• Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium

• Market-priced bullion with predictable pricing

Both companies allow insured direct delivery of metals for personal holdings outside an IRA.

7. Buyback Program & Liquidity

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers a market-aligned buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals efficiently at fair market value.

The process is straightforward:

• Contact Priority Gold support

• Receive a market-based offer

• Complete the transaction securely

This provides confidence for investors who may need liquidity or wish to rebalance their portfolios.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange offers a guaranteed buyback program, ensuring metals can be sold at market value anytime.

This predictable liquidity is ideal for first-time or cost-conscious investors.

8. Education & Customer Support

Priority Gold

Priority Gold provides clear and accessible guidance, including:

• Educational guides on gold IRAs and metals investing

• Step-by-step instructions for account setup and storage

• Responsive customer support for questions and account assistance

Their approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of understanding, especially for new investors.

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange offers beginner-friendly educational resources and support:

• Guides on IRA compliance and metals selection

• Transparent explanations of fees and buyback

• Responsive customer service for account setup and metals purchasing

Orion emphasizes straightforward guidance with predictable processes.

9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For

Priority Gold

• Competitive, low-cost fees

• Flexible storage options with segregation and insurance

• IRS-approved metals for IRA investing

• Transparent and simple setup process

• Accessible for beginners

• Less emphasis on guaranteed buyback programs

• Fewer specialty products compared to some competitors

Best For:

• Investors seeking low-cost, flexible storage and straightforward gold IRA investing.

Orion Metal Exchange

• Guaranteed buyback program for predictable liquidity

• Competitive, transparent fees

• IRS-approved metals and secure storage

• Low minimum investment (~$5,000)

• Beginner-friendly setup

• Less focus on storage flexibility

• Limited specialty product options

Best For:

• Investors looking for guaranteed liquidity, low minimums, and secure IRA-compliant metals.

10. Conclusion

Both Priority Gold and Orion Metal Exchange are reliable gold IRA providers, but they cater to different investor priorities.

Priority Gold is ideal for those seeking low-cost, flexible storage and straightforward investing, while Orion Metal Exchange appeals to investors who value guaranteed buyback, predictable liquidity, and competitive pricing.

11. FAQ